HOLY MASS FOR DECEASED MEMBERS CELEBRATED AT THE NEW DROP

On Thursday 14th November Longridge Circle met together with Provincial President Terence and Sandra, Vice President Bernard and Elaine and 21 from City of Salford Circle for a wonderful Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Tony Dutton, concelebrated with Fr John Gray. Fr John Sullivan was also in attendance.
We were reminded by Fr Tony that we come together as sinners but share God's forgiveness with those gone before us and who are now awaiting our reunion (not just yet) in Heaven. 

87 attended the evening but unfortunately only 83 could stay for the delicious meal of the famous New Drop Fishcake followed by the even more famous New Drop Lamb Cushion with all the accompanying delights.

Our new President Richard with wife Helen recounted his school reunion, a couple of days earlier and drew a parallel between the bonds of friendship, forged through attendance at boarding school, lasting so many years and...... 

....... the bonds forged belonging to the  Catenian Association which had stayed with him, 38 years to date, and he looked forward to many more years of friendship and fun.

Thanks, of course, to Fr Tony and Fr John, to the 21 delightful visitors from City of Salford Circle and to all who made the evening spiritually and physically such a great success.          

 "Friendship through faith and fun".

CHARITY RACE NIGHT RAISES £2000 AT LONGRIDGE

A Charity Race Night was held on Friday 1st November 2019 in aid of

                              Heartbeat is a Lancashire based charity established over 40 years ago.  It's purpose is to contribute to a reduction in cardiovascular disease through the delivery of services aimed at existing heart patients and those identified  at risk of developing it.

Heartbeat delivers; clinical testing, rehabilitation, education, advice, support and training to children, young people and adults across Lancashire.

Based on the site of Preston North End football club they have a bespoke heart centre and 7 satellite sites all offering a tailored approach to tackling heart disease, over 950 people take part every week. Heartbeat receives no funding from the NHS and is totally reliant on donations.

The night was held at the home of Steve and Jane Hardacre and was a "sell out".

 With Michael Blair in charge of proceedings a great night was guaranteed.

The first race kicked off at 7.30pm and with wagers placed on this and each successive race with a short break for a delicious  supper it was agreed that this was a super night.

With tickets at £10 to include the 1st drink and supper and options to sponsor a race or purchase a horse it was also a good value for money night and most importantly a good "fun night"

Perhaps to everyone's amazement, once the dust had settled, Steve and Jane declared that they could make a donation of, the proceeds of the night, of approximately £2000 to Heartbeat, North West Cardiac Care.

This event was held 

In Association with Longridge Catenians

Friendship in faith and fun

Well done and grateful thanks to all who had any part in this wonderful evening of helping others.

LONGRIDGE WALKING GROUP STAY IN CARTMEL

The age of elegance is not past; it still lives on at this lovely old manor house where two generations of the Varley Family have created a special atmosphere of warmth and comfort. 

Once the distinguished residence of the descendants of William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, founder of the historic 12th Century Cartmel Priory, Aynsome Hotel still echoes with the character and traditions of that bygone era. Located in the still untouched Vale of Cartmel and with views southwards to the Norman Priory, meadowlands and woods.
 Chris, Andrea Varley and their staff welcomed us all  and proved the perfect hosts for our all too brief stay.

From the quirky bedrooms:

To the fine dining room built in 1842 by John Remington, vicar of Cartmel, to entertain the Duke of Devonshire  with distinguishing features  including the panelling, bay windows, ornate moulded ceiling and fine views:

including the magnificent Cartmel Priory

Aynsome Manor was an ideal centre for a number of Longridge Walking Group to discover some of the hidden delights of this part of the world.

Denise and Mary had the idea of 2 nights of fine food and convivial company and Peter put together a programme of walks which made the most of the superb surrounds and I think the pictures speak for them selves.

                                         Some of the guests

On the way to Hoad Monument, also known as Sir John Barrow Monument.

I can see for miles and miles.

On the way down

Did anyone see my ball?

The photographs do show that we were blessed with super weather and this made the three days all the more enjoyable. 

A big vote of thanks go to Denise and Mary for organising and not forgetting their serf, Peter, who certainly had a hand or two in planning, guiding and generally helping us all appreciate this wonderful part of our country. Well done to all!!!!

LYTHAM ST ANNES CIRCLE WEEKEND

For this year's Circle weekend we again crossed the Pennines and stayed in an excellent hotel near Bingley.  Down the hill from the hotel was the famous, unique Bingley five-rise locks on the Leeds and Liverpool canal.  On the Saturday a number of us walked down to the canal and then along it to Saltaire, a Victorian model village now an UNESCO World Heritage site.

A few of us checked out a necessary refreshment stop on the Friday and someone dared to say we looked like the LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE!!!

Our Safety Officer!

 

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES AT LONGRIDGE CIRCLE

On the first of September our heroic bowls team travelled to St Michael's on Wyre with high expectancy.

Hopes were dashed in the semi final by a Preston South team at the top of their game and we lost 3-2.

 It was Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who said "The most important thing ......... is not winning but taking part;" was perhaps encouraging participants to compete. He did go on to add "the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well," and I'm sure he would have recognised the courage and  desire to win of the five  proud bowlers below in taking part.

 John Lea, Steve Hardacre, Janis & Ted Donnelly & Bob Barron

Longridge Cycle Group took to their bikes on a recent fine day cycling from the sandy beach at Cockermouth

taking in spectacular views of the estuary

and finding time to pose for a photo toward the finish before partaking, presumably, in a hearty lunch?

On Thursday 10th October Chris Daly took the chair to Install our new President Richard with his wife. Hearty congratulations went to one of our longest serving members, in front of 15 members from around Province, taking on this prestigious role!!!!

 More heart felt congratulations were for an event a few days later when their daughter delivered "Tilly", their first granddaughter to the world. All at Longridge send their congratulations.

On the 26th October Bob Barron arranged for two tables of pre-match hospitality for the local derby of PNE v Blackburn. 

The food was very good and the company fine  

all looked forward to an competitive  and entertaining match. But being 2-0 down at half time the prospect was not good for the second half. However, North End produced a thrilling comeback to eventually beat their Lancashire rivals 3-2.

This led to the humorous jest when leaving the ground of "What sort of house does a Blackburn fan live in?........ 

Answer A2 up 3 down" Ha Ha!!!!

Later in the month Ted led a walk from Great House Barn around the Upper Rivington Reservoir with spectacular vies of Lower Rivington, Anglezarke and Yarrow reservoirs.

Ted had arranged a lovely crisp October day and with two photos of walkers someone couldn't help but take a snap of she who was taking the photo.

So there's Carol doing her posing for a photograph of her taking a photograph....well done Carol.

Thanks to all who contributed photographs, information and advice on presentation of the blog.
This blogger left it too long between blogs, hence the length of this blog, so look forward to shorter blogs soon to arrive of Longridge Circle Race Night and Longridge Walkers break away at Aynsome Manor Hotel, Cartmel, 6th & 7th November. Happy blogging.

Broughton in Craven fly to West Indies ? ? ?

On Saturday 2nd November Brother Director, Provincial President, Circle Presidents and wives joined Broughton President Franklin, Circle members' wives and guests at Stirk House Airport from where we boarded a Catenian Airlines 747 to Trinidad and Tobago via Gate 10.

During the flight, Captain Franklin showed us a video of the delightful culture, beaches and sunshine to come. Take off and landing were so smooth we hardly noticed them. 

After a fifteen minute flight we landed in Trinidad Airport. Upon disembarking and  after passport checks, we went through to our hotel banqueting suite to be entertained by a steel band and enjoyed a Caribbean banquet. 

Much fun was had and we thank Franklin and Deirdre for all their organisation. Also Provincial President, Terence Donnelly for his "few words". It was also great to see so many Circles represented. A tribute to Province 10.

At midnight alas exhausted from eating dancing and chatting, not to forget raffling it was time to leave. 

Strangely our journey back to Lancashire was similar to our drive home. 

Once again thanks to the organisers for an excellent evening. We look forward to next year. 

Preston 144 'Trainspotters' November excursion

Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury is the county town and commercial centre of Shropshire

Looking back at the magnificent facade of the railway station

Next to the station is Shrewsbury Castle, home to the military museum of Shropshire.

Did they know we were coming?

One of the many exhibits in this fascinating museum

We've had the 'culture', now it time for the 'coffee' ..... and cakes!

After a couple of beers and a leisurely lunch in Carluccio's Italian restaurant, it was time to find the famous Tanners - wine merchants for a few purchases.

Just time for quick pic at Tanners before the return journey home.